Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. It is one of the oldest terriers, originating in the Scottish Highlands, used for hunting burrowing prey among the cairns.

Appearance

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917 the American Kennel Club forbid registration as Cairn Terriers of what became the West Highland White Terrier. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change color throughout their lifetime. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice or exaggeration.

Temperament

Cairn Terriers are intelligent, strong, and fearless. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and love to dig after real or imagined prey.

Health

These dogs are generally healthy but many have allergies. This breed also suffers more than usual from dislocated kneecaps and inherited eye diseases. The breed stands between 9 and 13 inches (23-33 cm) at the withers and weighs 13 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg).

Miscellaneous

The dog named Toto in the 1939 screen adaptation of The Wizard of Oz is a Cairn Terrier.